Volunteering at cell sites

What part of the U.S. are you in?

I serious doubt that it's possible. You can certainly try. Cell towers are going to have their own salaried/hourly employees. I am sure there's a liability issue having a volunteer

 

Volunteering for what? I understand you want to be at cell sights but doing what? You probably already know those things are unmanned 99% of the time. Network monitoring from central network offices and those who drive around registering/monitoring reception levels are the ones whose "hands are in the cookie jar" most of the time.

 

@Day5InJanuary: Having worked for ATT, I can tell you that the corporate mentality of security and clearances is very important. Even contractors are required to do background checks. I think your offer would be viewed very suspiciously: "WHY do you want to do grunt work at critical links such as towers?" Your reason of volunteerism would be viewed as very shallow, unbelievable, and you'd probably be marked as a possible threat. If you want to make a difference in the world through volunteering, consider your work history and how it can be applied to making the world a better place. There are humanitarian and animal services agencies that may be interested. (I needed special clearance to conduct company business at some of the main network hubs and that didn't come easily.)

 

Maybe you need to enroll in College and take telecommunication classes and do an internship with a wireless provider.

I hate to sound cold and callous, but I am in Chicago where labor unions are strong and we protect our work.

If I was a laborer, I am suppose to sit at home and make no money while you, "... do grunt work. Get tools ready, pick up messes...". Now you're dealing with someones lively hood. Once you mess with someones lively hood expect a fight.

 

I think it's great that you are eager and willing to learn. Ask directly to some contract companies if they want a unpaid intern. I'm sure someone would be happy to have someone doing work for free. You just have to do it properly, ie: apply to the companies with a resume, sign a contract, take safety courses, etc.

 

I remember reading a couple of articles about cell tower climbers. There are very few states, counties or cities that have any type cell tower climber laws, rules or regulations that has resulted in a lot of cell tower climber deaths. Reason being most cell tower climber contractors are two men and a rope. In fact, I remember reading a few contractors would send out one man and a rope.

 

I don't know if there are any "laws" about tower climbing, but companies are responsible for the safety of their workers. If a tower climber falls and gets hurt or dies, you can be sure there will be a law suit. If it's determined the company didn't properly train and take proper safety precautions for the worker, the company who employed him is in legal deep yogurt. So it's in the companies best interest, legally, to cover their a$$ and make sure the tower climber is "certified".

Certified usually means proving that they took a training course, were issued proper climbing gear (harness, hard-hat, gloves, etc.) and a certified instructor showed them how to properly use it all. Most accidents I heard about happen when a tower-climber knowingly violated a safety rule, eg. removed his harness.

Good luck!

 

From what I remember from the articles I read, there really wasn't anyone to sue, since most contractors were simply two men and a rope.

I went ahead and Googled it and PBS has been following the issue for a while and the Feds are looking into now. You are correct, there's a real lack of training and failure to follow safety precautions. Here's the PBS link that has numerous articles they have written on the subject:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/cell-tower-deaths/

 

Very interesting video. I'm working in Europe, from what I see, there's a much bigger focus on safety here in Europe.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/front...der-at-cell-carriers-when-tower-climbers-die/